Green Glass Double Inkstand

Description

• The Base (Standish): The set is anchored by a heavy, rectangular base made of vibrant apple-green glass. It features a deep double pen tray (two parallel concave channels) running along the front to accommodate dip pens. The base is molded with a polished flat bottom and two square recessed “wells” designed to hold the glass reservoirs securely.
• The Reservoirs: The two inkwells are substantial, clear glass cubes. They utilize a “suspended well” design, where the cylindrical ink reservoir is centered within a solid block of glass. This style was favored for its stability and the beautiful way it refracts light. The underside of each reservoir is finished with a crisp, multi-ray starburst (or radiant star) pattern.
• The Lids: The set is crowned by two square, low-profile lids made of matching green glass. Each lid features a centered starburst pattern on the top surface, mirroring the design on the base of the reservoirs.
• Material: The green glass is Uranium glass (often called Vaseline glass). This type of glass contains small amounts of uranium oxide, giving it a distinct chartreuse or “neon” glow that becomes brilliantly fluorescent under ultraviolet (UV) light.

Age

• Estimated Age: Circa 1910–1925. The heavy glass “block” style and geometric square form are hallmark traits of the transition to early Art Deco aesthetics.

Summary

Antique Uranium & Clear Glass Double Inkstand Circa 1910–1920

A sophisticated early 20th-century desk set featuring a heavy, vibrant green uranium glass base with a double pen tray. The set includes two clear glass “block” reservoirs with matching green lids, all featuring intricate starburst molded patterns. The green glass is UV-reactive and glows brilliantly under blacklight.